The Israel-Iran war is now a brutal test of staying power


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Key Conflict: Israel-Iran War

The article describes an ongoing war between Israel and Iran, characterized by intense missile and air strikes. Israel's objective is to significantly damage Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Israel's Strategy and Needs

Israel anticipates needing at least two weeks to effectively degrade Iran's capabilities. Success hinges on maintaining momentum and appearing to be winning to secure potential US support from President Trump. However, high casualties or a slowdown in damage could lead to pressure for a premature ceasefire, leaving Iran with the incentive to quickly rebuild its nuclear program.

Potential US Role

The article suggests Israel may ultimately need significant US military intervention to completely neutralize Iran's deeply buried nuclear facilities.

Risks and Stakes

A hasty ceasefire without significant damage to Iran's nuclear program poses a significant risk, potentially empowering Iran to rapidly advance its nuclear capabilities.

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IN TEL AVIV and Tehran rescue crews are looking for survivors in piles of rubble. The missile and air war that Israel and Iran have spent decades planning for has come, and it is spectacular and terrifying. Israeli officials say they need at least two weeks to degrade Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. That means the struggle ahead is a test of staying power for both countries. Yet even then Israel may need America to deliver a knockout blow to Iran’s deeply buried nuclear sites. For Israel, the coming days are all about momentum: if it maintains an aura of success it may be able to draw in President Donald Trump. But if the pace of damage to nuclear sites slows and casualties spiral, he may push to end the war before Israel has achieved its aims. A hasty ceasefire could leave Iran with a huge incentive to rush to restore its nuclear programme.

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